Caledon Natural Area at Caledon State Park

Caledon Natural Area at Caledon State Park, King George Co., Fredericksburg Area Chapter

Caledon State Park is owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia and managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Although 800 acres is a National Natural History Landmark because of its undisturbed climax forests, the park designated a natural area in order to protect its bald eagle population. Because there was no specific intent to preserve the flora of the park, potential delisting of bald eagles in the future could lead to different management, and so it was felt that Registry status might protect the vegetation. The site includes forests of several types, both mesic and dry, as well as fields, beaches, and wetlands. The oldest forests have trees over 150 years old in ravines. There is a wealth of native plants, with more than 500 species documented, and at least 18 species of rare or unusual plants.